So I think I will ask this

[SoonToBeMommy]

Okay since currently my neurologist is saying my seizures are anxiety or perhaps pseudo seizures I have a few questions to see if it is possible. First off, flashy/strobe lights affect me into having more seizures. Sometimes T/Cs sometimes CPs. I currently stop breathing during seizures, once it lasted even after the seizure. I am completely unresponsive and have no remembrance of the seizure, what was said to me during, etc. I am very confused and disorented for up to 2 hours after a T/C. I do get an anxious feeling beforehand, either that or a smell of marshmallows. I am very stiffy and jerky. Everyone tells me its amazing how strong I am during a seizure. Pushing on pressure points, trying to turn me, etc doesn't work during them. Ativan usually will stop a severe one. So does this at all sound like the possibility of pseudo seizures or anxiety attacks? Insight would be great. Sometimes its best to ask others who have been in similiar situations.

 

[SoonToBeMommy]

Oh I also clench my jaw and my mouth will jerk in the corner. This is all what I've been told happens.

 

[qtowngirl]

I do get an anxious feeling beforehand, either that or a smell of marshmallows. I am very stiffy and jerky. Everyone tells me its amazing how strong I am during a seizure. Pushing on pressure points, trying to turn me, etc doesn't work during them. Ativan usually will stop a severe one. So does this at all sound like the possibility of pseudo seizures or anxiety attacks? Insight would be great. Sometimes its best to ask others who have been in similiar situations.

the smell beforehand is almost exclusive to grand mal seizures, and is known as a simple partial. it's a quick warning of what's coming. odd smells (copper 'pennies' is common as is something burning, but any smell that is obviously not right in front of you is possible), involuntary muscle movement, weird thoughts and hallucinations, deja vu, face flushing... the list goes on what a simple partial can involve. some who experience them have one symptom, some have multiple. at one point my neuro (6 years after diagnoses due to grand mals) said i was likely fainting. but the more i pointed out re: simple partials the more he realized that was likely the case. and it was. i explained it once to an epileptologist and she agreed completely, this was not fainting.
there are noteable differences between fainting/anxiety/pseudo seizures and epilepsy, and if he's a neurologist worth keeping he has to know the difference. dumped mine the next grand mal after that 'fainting' appointment.

 

[SoonToBeMommy]

Yea and doesn't feelings sometimes happen to?

 

[qtowngirl]

can you elaborate what you mean by 'feelings' ?

 

[SoonToBeMommy]

Like the anxious, creppy crawly type of feeling

 

[qtowngirl]

as that fits into a number of conditions i'd suggest more research, also wondering if you've went for a 2nd opinion yet?
if it was me, the smell beforehand would be my first topic then looking into the 'creepy crawly' type feelings.

 

[SoonToBeMommy]

I am working on it, but its hard to get into neurologist around here and have a ride

 

[sjconner]

My Primary Care doc called around before he referred me to the neuro. The psych docs did not want me because of the smell thing.